What do the major generals who are leading the war efforts in Iraq have in common with executives and entrepreneurs who are conducting business back home? When it comes to leadership, the answer is probably a lot more than you think.In a recent study conducted by the Army War College, subordinates of the major generals who are leading the war efforts in Iraq were asked to rate the performance of their superiors.The survey revealed that the best...more
In 2005, Berkshire Hathaway bought about a million shares of Lexmark. I haven't followed this story closely, but I assume the stock was purchased by Lou Simpson rather than Warren Buffett. I have only two reasons for believing this: the total purchase was small relative to Berkshire's investable assets and the Lexmark purchase is typical of Simpson's investment philosophy (or at least, what little I can glean about his investment philosophy from...more
Q: I started my business about a year ago and everything is going fine. We're growing and making a profit, but the stress of running the business is really starting to get to me. I spend more time worrying than working. Sometimes the pressure is almost more than I can take. I'm starting to think that I'm not cut out to run my own business. Do you have any advice that might help me decide what to do? -- Steven S.A: I'm full of advice, Steven, and it's totally free. Just remember, you get what you pay for and I can't be held legally or morally responsible if my advice somehow lands you behind the counter at McDonalds. I'm not Dr. Phil, for petesake. I'm shorter and have more hair and less money.Seriously, the first thing you need to do is take a few deep breaths and take comfort in the fact that you are not the first entrepreneur to feel the weight of the business world on your shoulders. Every business person, including yours truly, has felt the way you do at one time or another. For some, it's a feeling that occurs daily, especially when things aren't going as well as we'd like them to. And don't think the stress will magically disappear if your business takes off. I know people...more
Business owners with poor credit ratings may find it difficult to obtain a loan for business purposes, such as expansion or to invest in a new product. Because lenders focus primarily on personal credit scores for business loans, you need to focus your efforts on going to the right lender for a poor credit business loan.Poor credit business loans...more
Network marketing is a business model that has very similar characteristics to franchising. However the advantage that it has over traditional franchising includes a low cost of entry and high potential revenue possibilities.What types of people are attracted to a network marketing opportunity? Generally the types of people who are attracted to...more
If you have a problem with cash flow, you might consider finding a company that engages in buying invoices to get you on the right track again. Often, through no fault of their own, small and large companies find themselves in a bind because they don't have enough cash to meet debt payments, to pay employees, or to invest in needed materials and manpower in order to bid on lucrative, time-sensitive contracts. In these cases and some others, companies buying invoices from you may be able to help.Buying invoices is also called factoring. A company, or factor, engages in buying invoices from another company at a discount, taking on the responsibility of collecting payments due. Through this process, the company selling the invoice gets immediate cash flow, and the company buying invoices stands to make a profit.Most invoices are factored at fees starting at around 1.67% of the total principle for each ten days left in the payment due terms. For instance, if you have invoices that come due in thirty days, the factoring company would buy them from you at a 5% discount, and thus make a 5% profit for a thirty-day investment. Fees are predicated on the creditworthiness of your debtor, not...more
Amidst everyone's busy life, one may, in one time or the other, stop and think-one person has a steady nine to five job, generating a steady income, may want, or wishes that she can stay at home and be with the kids... but has no choice, one must...more
One of the first questions people ask when they are purchasing something is, "What does is cost?". There is no exception when it comes to surety bond shopping. Unfortunately, bonds are really considered a form of credit and the same rate does not...more
I constantly receive questions and complaints from my creative professional clients about what to do when a prospect claims, "I can't afford your prices, but I want your services." My clients are frustrated, because they are usually being told this...more
"Failure is the key to success; each mistake teaches us something." (Morihei Ueshiba, founder of Aikido)Thomas Alva Edison failed in his experiment for thousands of times before he was able to invent the electric light bulb. Laurence Peter failed...more
Wouldn't it be great if you could get some of that money you spend on credit card purchases back every year? Well, you can. A cash back credit card is the way to go for people who want all the benefits of shopping with a credit card, plus the perks...more
You have seen them advertised on your television. Likely, you have gotten their solicitations in your mailbox. Your neighbor has one and he just got a brand new gas grille for free! So, what am I talking about? Cash back credit cards, of course....more